Folk Rockstar Calls Out Trump Voters: 'You Got F**king Scammed'

Brandi Carlile says Trump supporters were misled and need to 'get mad' and 'change their minds'.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In a backstage interview after a recent Minneapolis concert, musician Brandi Carlile accused the Trump administration of being a 'scam' and called on his supporters to 'get mad' about being 'duped by a con artist'. Carlile has been vocal in her criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies, including pulling out of a summit in 2019 after learning that former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen would be in attendance.

Why it matters

Carlile's comments reflect the ongoing political divisions in the U.S. and the strong feelings many have about the Trump presidency. Her remarks highlight the sense of betrayal and anger some Trump supporters may feel, as well as the challenges of bridging those divides.

The details

In the interview with Rolling Stone, Carlile recounted a personal story about being scammed by a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman, drawing a parallel to how she believes Trump supporters were misled. She urged them to 'get past the embarrassment' and 'shame' of being 'duped' and instead 'get mad enough to change your mind'. Carlile has been critical of the Trump administration's immigration policies in the past, including pulling out of an event in 2019 after learning that former Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen would be in attendance.

  • Carlile made the comments in a backstage interview after a February 2026 performance in Minneapolis.
  • In 2019, Carlile pulled out of the Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit after learning Kirstjen Nielsen would be in attendance.

The players

Brandi Carlile

A folk rock musician who has been vocal in her criticism of the Trump administration, particularly its immigration policies.

Kirstjen Nielsen

The former Secretary of Homeland Security under the Trump administration.

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What they’re saying

“You got fucking scammed. We're living in a scammy time. That's what people do. You can't even pick up your phone without getting scammed. Doesn't mean you have to double down.”

— Brandi Carlile, Musician (Rolling Stone)

“It doesn't mean you have to pay for the fucking vacuum cleaner. And I just think there are a whole lot of people out there right now feeling duped and feeling ashamed and embarrassed. What they need to feel is angry. They need to get mad and change their minds.”

— Brandi Carlile, Musician (Rolling Stone)

The takeaway

Carlile's comments highlight the deep political divisions in the U.S. and the challenges of bridging those divides, as well as the sense of betrayal and anger that some Trump supporters may feel. Her remarks underscore the ongoing debates around the Trump presidency and its lasting impact.